Residents oppose rezoning of Worley parcels to commercial use citing environmental concerns
May 09, 2025 | Kootenai County, Idaho
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The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss community development matters, focusing on a proposed rezone of certain parcels from agricultural to commercial use. The meeting featured public testimony from local residents expressing their concerns regarding the potential impact of commercial development on the rural character of the area.
The first speaker, a resident with a 16.5-acre property adjacent to the proposed commercial site, raised concerns about the scale of the development. He emphasized that the area in question is significantly larger than nearby commercial properties, such as the Fighting Creek store, which he described as merely a gas station with limited offerings. He questioned the necessity of developing the proposed site into a commercial hub, suggesting that existing towns like Worley, located just 10.3 miles away, could better serve commercial needs without altering the rural landscape.
The resident also highlighted the potential for profit-driven motives from future buyers of the land, raising doubts about their commitment to maintaining the community's best interests. He expressed concern about the elevation difference between his property and the proposed site, which could affect water resources, as he noted the depth of his well and its output.
Following this testimony, another resident, Leander James, shared his family's experience living on a nearby farm since 2001. He detailed their agricultural activities, including hay production and selling produce at a local honor stand. James articulated his opposition to the rezone, arguing that it would degrade the rural environment that attracted his family to the area. He stressed that the proposed commercial development contradicts the county's comprehensive plan and would negatively impact the community's character.
The meeting concluded with a clear expression of community sentiment against the proposed rezone, as residents voiced their desire to preserve the rural environment that defines Kootenai County. The Board of Commissioners will consider the public input as they deliberate on the future of the proposed development.
The first speaker, a resident with a 16.5-acre property adjacent to the proposed commercial site, raised concerns about the scale of the development. He emphasized that the area in question is significantly larger than nearby commercial properties, such as the Fighting Creek store, which he described as merely a gas station with limited offerings. He questioned the necessity of developing the proposed site into a commercial hub, suggesting that existing towns like Worley, located just 10.3 miles away, could better serve commercial needs without altering the rural landscape.
The resident also highlighted the potential for profit-driven motives from future buyers of the land, raising doubts about their commitment to maintaining the community's best interests. He expressed concern about the elevation difference between his property and the proposed site, which could affect water resources, as he noted the depth of his well and its output.
Following this testimony, another resident, Leander James, shared his family's experience living on a nearby farm since 2001. He detailed their agricultural activities, including hay production and selling produce at a local honor stand. James articulated his opposition to the rezone, arguing that it would degrade the rural environment that attracted his family to the area. He stressed that the proposed commercial development contradicts the county's comprehensive plan and would negatively impact the community's character.
The meeting concluded with a clear expression of community sentiment against the proposed rezone, as residents voiced their desire to preserve the rural environment that defines Kootenai County. The Board of Commissioners will consider the public input as they deliberate on the future of the proposed development.
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